NATO Internship Programme

If you would like to gain experience working for a political and military alliance that promotes freedom and security , then the NATO Internship Programme might be for you!

NATO offers six-month internships to applicants in the third year of their university studies, or recent graduates of a bachelor or master's programme. Internships apply to a broad range of expertise and skillsets, providing opportunities in areas like political affairs, defence and security, innovation, operations, communications, business support and human resources, finance, science and technology, and infrastructure and facilities. Click here to learn more about NATO's many work areas.

Internships take place at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium – an exciting city that serves as a meeting point for many European and other international organisations, and a hub of activity and networking for young professionals.

The NATO Internship Programme offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from the NATO community while gaining six months of valuable work experience and a greater knowledge of the inner workings of the Alliance!

Main objectives of the NATO Internship Programme

1. To provide interns with the opportunity to learn from the NATO community and get a better understanding and a more balanced view of the Organization.
2. To improve NATO's access to theoretical and technical knowledge that the intern can apply through practical work assignments.
3. To contribute to creating a more diverse workforce.
4. To expand knowledge and understanding of NATO in member countries.

The NATO Internship Programme offers internship positions within the NATO International Staff, the International Military Staff and some of the NATO agencies and bodies at NATO Headquarters.

Eligibility criteria

To apply for a NATO internship, you must fulfil below criteria on the date of your application:

• Age: 21+
• Nationality: a citizen of a NATO member country
• Educational status: at least two years of university completed and enrolled in a third year OR having obtained your highest degree less than a year prior
• Languages: proficiency in one of the two official NATO languages: English or French. A working knowledge of the second is considered an asset. Knowledge of other languages may also be considered an asset for certain positions.

If you are a national of a NATO partner country, you can contact your mission at NATO Headquarters or embassy in Brussels directly for information about potential internships within the mission or embassy.

Compensation and benefits

• Internship stipend:
  If you are selected for the NATO-funded internship programme, you will receive a monthly stipend (EUR 1,217 2024). This amount changes by year in line with inflation and NATO salary adjustments.
• Travel:
  Once the Internship Office has confirmed your start date, you will be provided with a prepaid flight/train ticket from your place of origin at a return economy rate, and for an amount of up to EUR 1,200. If you are traveling to Brussels by car, these costs will be reimbursed.
• Leave:
  You will be entitled to 15 days of paid leave during the six-month internship period.
• In-house training:
  During the internship, you will take part in an induction programme and monthly briefings to provide you with an overview of NATO's activities and structure. The briefings present unique opportunities to meet experienced staff and officials from across the Alliance, to discuss topics of interest with them and with other interns. Visits to other institutions, like the European Parliament, will also be organised.

NATO is committed to diversity and inclusion and strives to provide equal access to career opportunities regardless of gender, age, nationality, ethnic origin, religious belief, cultural background, sexual orientation or disability. NATO welcomes applicants from all member countries and strongly encourages women to apply.

As an employer, NATO values integrity, transparency and accountability in accordance with international norms and practices established for the defence and related security sector.